Louth Science Festival Returns for its Eighth Year

Louth Science Festival, one of the most anticipated events in the Louth Library Service calendar, returns from the 6th to the 23rd of November 2025.

This year’s programme explores the theme of Then. Today. Tomorrow, which celebrates science across generations and disciplines. Funded and supported by Research Ireland and Creative Ireland, the festival aims to make science engaging and accessible to all members of the community.

Amanda Branigan, Louth County Librarian, welcomed the funding and the opportunity it brings, saying: “Thanks to the support from Research Ireland, this year’s festival will offer a wide range of engaging events and will encourage people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today. It will also encourage people to look at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions.”

The festival launches on Thursday, 6th November at the County Library, Dundalk, with a special event titled Careers in STEM: Supporting Families & Future Graduates in Helping School Leavers Navigate Their Next Steps, hosted by Dr Niamh Shaw and Mary-Ellen Kelledy.

To ensure accessibility, three free, day-long science fairs will take place across the county, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and talks for all ages.

The first fair will be held on Saturday, 9th November at Clogherhead Community Hall, marking the festival’s debut at this venue. Highlights include wildlife documentary presenter Eoin Warner and journalist Rosanna Cooney, author of Sweathouse: The New and Ancient Irish Sauna Tradition.

The second fair takes place on Saturday, 16th November at the County Library in Dundalk, followed by the final fair on Saturday, 23rd November at the Civic Offices in Drogheda.

Guest speakers in Dundalk and Drogheda include Laura Dowling, also known as The Fabulous Pharmacist, a passionate advocate for women's health, pharmacist, entrepreneur, and author.

Dr Harry Barry, a Drogheda-based GP with nearly 40 years of experience and a strong focus on mental health and neuroscience, will also feature. Comedian PJ Gallagher, known for his work on Radio NOVA and The Young Offenders, will share insights from his book Madhouse. Rugby legends Alan Quinlan and Bernard Jackman will join broadcaster Sinéad Brassil for a conversation on resilience, high performance, and personal success.

In addition to the fairs, a wide range of workshops and special events will take place throughout the county. These include interactive sessions with Circus 250, Dr Ken Science, Sewing with Wren and Mabel, Anyone4Science, Creative Spark’s Mobile Fab Lab, and Lego Brickx Club.

Families can enjoy harp workshops for babies and toddlers, yoga and wellness sessions, and talks by organic grower Roisin Cotter. Astronomy enthusiasts can engage with Dunsink Observatory, while nature lovers can take part in guided walks with The Boyne Valley Trails Group.

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Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “Louth Science Festival is a shining example of how we can bring learning, creativity and community together. It’s a celebration of curiosity and innovation, and I’m proud to see our libraries leading the way in making science accessible and enjoyable for all ages across the county.”

The 2025 festival continues Louth Library Service’s collaboration with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), iCrag, Creative Spark, Met Éireann, and local primary and secondary schools.

For bookings and more information, visit louthsciencefestival.ie, follow the Louth Library Service Facebook and Instagram page, email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie, or call 042 9353190.